Arthritis Research UK have designated 12th-18th October as National Arthritis Week. As part of this, here we look into the ways of alleviating the pains associated with the condition.

A health condition that affects people of all ages including children, arthritis causes sufferers to experience symptoms such as inflammation of the joints and in the most serious cases, debilitating pain.

Arthritis is a common condition, it is estimated that there are currently 10 million sufferers in the UK. However, treating arthritis effectively can be challenging, as there is currently no cure for the condition. Whilst there is no cure, there are a number of medications and natural remedies available can relieve the discomfort associated with the illness.

Deciding a safe and effective treatment plan can be difficult and it is important to carefully weigh the advice and prescriptions provided by your doctor against the possible benefits of treating the condition naturally.

This article looks at the two types of arthritis as well as natural alternatives for managing the condition and the possible side effects. We will also look at how sufferers can live with the condition whilst effectively managing it and carrying on with active and productive lives.

The two main types of arthritis

Arthritis, as a condition, is broken down into two main types - rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.

The two varieties share some similar characteristics but the conditions have different symptoms and require different treatments.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form and affects ten times the number of people that rheumatoid arthritis does. Brought on by mechanical wear and tear on the joints, osteoarthritis is a result of physical activity and age.

Rheumatoid arthritis is still a condition of the joints, but is an autoimmune disease that results in the sufferer’s own immune system attacking the joints. This causes inflammation and can begin at any stage of life. Rheumatoid arthritis progresses very rapidly in comparison to osteoarthritis. In addition to this, much more swelling of the joints is associated with the rheumatoid condition.

Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers often experience a general feeling of being ill and a high level of fatigue, whereas osteoarthritis affects only the area of the body where arthritis is present and does not involve full-body symptoms.

Remedies for arthritis

Alongside prescription medications, many sufferers utilise natural remedies to treat the condition.

Because there is no cure, treatments are aimed at reducing inflammation and alleviating the pains of arthritis. These include:

Glucosamine sulphate - there is evidence suggesting that glucosamine sulphate relieves the pain of arthritis. To assist with easing the symptoms of arthritis, it is advised to incorporate 1500mgs into your daily routine. It should but noted that whilst glucosamine sulphate has been proven to help relieve the symptoms of arthritis, glucosamine hydrochloride has no proven benefits. For this reason, it is important that you use the right kind.

Fish Oils - Fish oils are proven to help reduce inflammation, which could be beneficial to those suffering from arthritis.

Topical Remedies - Many mentholated rubs and creams said to help with pain and inflammation, offer no benefit when used to treat arthritis. However, there are some specific topical ointments which can help, such as prescription Voltaren or Pennsaid. These can ease osteoarthritis pain in certain areas of the body.

Electricity - TENS treatment can be used successfully to ease pain and swelling in arthritic joints. This process involves placing electrodes around the affected area and sending electromagnetic pulses through the skin. These treatments are said to ease joint stiffness and relieve pain short term.

Chondroitin - Initially, this supplement was thought to be effective when used with glucosamine, but recent studies have shown it is not beneficial in relieving arthritic pain. However, although it doesn't help the symptoms, chondroitin sulphate can aid in slowing the progression of arthritis.

A Healthy Lifestyle

The most effective natural remedy for arthritis is an active, healthy lifestyle and many steps can be taken daily to minimise arthritic symptoms and allow for a good quality of living, including:

• Maintaining as healthy a body weight as possible to avoid excess strain on the joints
• Regular exercise including both aerobic and strengthening exercises
• Physical therapy on a regular basis, as this can assist in gently strengthening the body
• Assistive devices should be used when necessary to take the weight load off of the affected area and can help reduce pain

Living with arthritis can be painful and inconvenient. Although there are natural remedies to help relieve the symptoms, there is unfortunately no cure medicinal or natural for the condition. Therefore, it is important to develop a good treatment plan based on your individual needs and always consider the advice, medications and therapies of medical professionals as well as natural remedies.

For additional information and support about the common symptoms of arthritis and the variety of arthritis pain relief we provide, please click here.